Even when Diamond Ranch High School clearly wasn’t up to previous football standards, the Panthers were good enough to finish second in the Hacienda League and make it to the second round of the CIF-SS playoffs.

But make no mistake, campaigns that don’t extend deep into the postseason are not acceptable around Diamond Ranch under head coach Roddy Layton. And in order to extend the season, he has gone back to basics and is focusing on the line of scrimmage.

“In the last two years, when I’ve watched that line of scrimmage, West Covina has been able to push us around,” Layton said. “And I think Los Altos pushed us around last year.

“I think this year we’re stronger up front than we’ve been in the last few years. I’ve taken over their strength program. I’m spending a lot more time with the linemen.”

The question will be whether Diamond Ranch has the skill players to complement all the beef up front. In the past, that never was an issue. But in recent years, the Panthers have been getting thin with game-breakers.

Quarterback was a never-ending issue last season, whether it was inconsistent play or personnel issues. That may not be the case this year with the return of Xavier Beltran. He will be challenged, however, by Pablo Unzueta.

If Unzueta isn’t under center, Layton said the team will take advantage of his playmaking abilities at receiver.

Running back could be a strength if junior William Bryan keeps progressing. Alan Salguero and Cedric Goodwin also figure into the mix for carries.

For the receiving corps, much will depend on whether Beltran can get them the ball on a consistent basis. But there is talent. Marquis Wimberly earned Offensive MVP honors at the L.A. Watts passing games this summer. He has the best hands on the team and is the most physical target of the group. Marcus Briscoe also projects nicely, but just needs balls thrown his way.

Tight end is where the Panthers unleash arguably the top talent on the roster in 6-foot-5, 305-pound Kammy Delp, who’s only a junior and not only acts like an extra lineman but also can catch.

The rest of the line isn’t as big as Delp, but it does boast a good mix of size and strength. Center Noah Garcia is one of the strongest players on the team. Juniors Carl Bryan and Josh Buchholz also figure in the mix and Layton estimated both are around 6-3, 240.

“We’re stronger than we were the two years we went to the championship,” Layton said. “Now the question is are we as fast as those two teams?”

The defense had its moments last year, such as limiting Bonita and Damien to 13 points each. But there were rough patches, including allowing 48 points to Muir in the playoffs, 42 to West Covina and 41 to Chino.

Delp will play a big role on the defensive line and that’s where his impact could be felt the most. Layton also likes the looks of Allen Haynie to cause major disruptions in opponents’ backfields.

Linebacker Matthew Preston has the frame (6-2, 195) to be a major force at linebacker and coaches expect him to be one of the best around.

Diamond Ranch’s secondary rarely is short on talent and that isn’t the case this year, either. Cornerback Paris Stanford projects as one of the top cover guys around.

The Panthers have softened their nonleague schedule and it’s reasonable to expect them to be 4-0 on Sept. 21 when they open league play at home against West Covina.

“West Covina is still the champion,” Layton said. “We can contend. But I never see us as out of contention.We’re not going to say `Hey guys, West Covina’s got this one. Let’s go out and play for second.’ ”

Head coach: Roddy Layton

Year at school: Seventh

Record at school: 32-41

2011 record: 6-6

Quotable: “We’ve got a good team and I see a lot of scholarships coming out, especially in two years. Talent-wise and academically, we do a pretty good job of getting our kids into universities.”

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